IRIS-T

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SAAB: Saab carries out IRIS-T flight test trials for Sweden (Waymaker)    
2006-11-07 10:34


Saab carries out IRIS-T flight test trials for Sweden

Saab has successfully carried out the first flight tests with the
air-to-air missile IRIS-T to verify the function between the missile and
the Gripen aircraft. IRIS-T enhances Gripen's close combat capability,
which is an important component for Gripen during future international
operations.

"The trials are an important milestone in the Gripen program. IRIS-T is
a European collaboration and development project within the missile
area, where Saab has a leading role for the integration of complex
future missile systems", says Henrik Höjer, responsible for the Gripen
program within Saab Aerosystems.      
   
The IRIS-T is an air-to-air missile used by new generation fighters
during aerial combat and will replace the American Sidewinder in the
near future. The development of IRIS-T is being undertaken as an
international industrial project with the participation of Germany,
Greece, Italy, Sweden, Norway and Spain. The IRIS-T missile will be
introduced as standard weapon system for close-in combat and
self-defence of modern fighter aircraft in the air forces of the world.
A total of over 4000 IRIS-T missiles will be produced over the coming
years.
   
"The IRIS-T missile and Gripen worked as expected and we are pleased
with the flight test results", says Joacim Eriksson, Project Manager for
the integration of IRIS-T at Saab Aerosystems.

At the end of 2005, FMV, The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration,
ordered the integration of the missile on Gripen. Missile flight trials,
amongst other things, are included in the integration work. The work
started at beginning of the year and will continue to 2009.  

Besides the IRIS-T programme Saab is also heavily involved in the Meteor
Missile Program, which also is an international cooperation involving
leading aerospace companies in Europe.

Saab is one of the world's leading high-technology companies, with its
main operations focusing on defence, aviation and space. The group
covers a broad spectrum of competence and capabilities in systems
integration.


For further information, please contact:
Heidi Wendt, Communications Director, Saab Aerosystems, Tel: 0743-18 00
17
Images for download at: www.gripen.com

www.saabgroup.com

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